FGY Art Gallery Volunteer Tour Guides Receive Training

Since it’s opening, the Shan Shan Shiao Pressed Flowers Exhibition has already captured much attention from the Christchurch locals. With visitors increasing on a daily basis, the ability to provide quality guided tours has become top priority.

On the evening of 9th December, Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Christchurch organised a Tour Guide Volunteers’ Seminar, where Art Gallery Public Relations Officer See-Shen Lee briefed the tour guides on important details. Venerable Juexi and Venerable Miaoyu were present as were ten other Art Gallery volunteers.

Ms. Lee first touched on the required attitude, language use and dress code when working in the Art Gallery and then lectured on the information regarding Shan Shan Shiao’s Pressed Flower artworks, including her inspirations, the process of making the artworks, the materials used as well as the origins of her works; all in the hope that the volunteers being able to provide concise explanations of the art works to the visitors.

Finally, Ms. Lee introduced to everyone the “Friends of Art Gallery” membership program and encouraged the volunteers to promote this club so that everyone may stay informed on the events and activities of the Art Gallery. Venerable Juexi also reminded the volunteers that, as they are giving guided tours, they must not forget the “giving” spirit of Buddhism, and should aim to not only give visitors the knowledge of art, but to also bring them the benefit of faith by giving them the opportunity to learn about Humanistic Buddhism.